Did the New Orleans Pelicans just win the 2025 NBA Draft? With a haul of exciting talent, including a dynamic point guard, a versatile big man, and a defensive wing, the future in New Orleans looks incredibly bright. Are these rookies the missing pieces for a championship run?

The New Orleans Pelicans have undeniably emerged as the standout winners of the 2025 NBA Draft, echoing the strategic successes seen by other Western Conference contenders like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder. Through astute selections in both rounds, the Pelicans secured a trio of highly promising prospects poised to significantly bolster their roster for the long term. This strategic haul has generated considerable excitement, indicating a clear vision for the team’s future competitiveness.

A cornerstone of New Orleans’ draft triumph was addressing their crucial need for a long-term option at point guard with the selection of Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears at pick seven. Despite the presence of seasoned players like Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole, the team lacked a definitive future at the position. Fears, an intriguing prospect, offers an advanced ability to create advantages through his exceptional speed and ball-handling, coupled with a keen understanding of how to generate scoring opportunities for teammates by applying rim pressure.

Jeremiah Fears’ potential as an impactful starting guard for the Pelicans is evident, especially given Murray’s ongoing recovery from an Achilles injury and the uncertainty surrounding Poole’s role. He represents the franchise’s long-term plan to solidify the point guard position. While his immediate fit alongside Zion Williamson might not be seamless, Fears’ undeniable talent and playmaking abilities are expected to provide a significant boost, making him a central figure in New Orleans’ offensive scheme moving forward.

Further solidifying their draft class, the Pelicans’ acquisition of Maryland big man Derik Queen through a trade with the Hawks at pick 13 was another major success. Queen brings a dynamic interior scoring presence to New Orleans, complemented by his surprisingly excellent passing ability for a big man. Standing six-foot-ten, he is also a formidable rebounder on both ends of the court, showcasing a well-rounded skillset that immediately addresses frontcourt depth.

Derik Queen possesses the attributes to become an intriguing offensive hub for the Pelicans. His ability to create open looks through his post-scoring pressure is a significant asset, and his capacity to handle the ball allows him to generate shots from the perimeter, adding another layer to his offensive game. Pairing Queen with Zion Williamson ensures that New Orleans can consistently field an excellent interior frontcourt scorer, and the development of a three-point shot would only amplify his versatile dynamism.

Addressing one of the team’s primary weaknesses, the Pelicans used the No. 40 pick in the second round to draft Georgetown wing Micah Peavy, specifically to fortify their defensive personnel. New Orleans struggled defensively last season, evident in their low defensive rating compared to the rest of the league. Peavy, standing at six-foot-seven, brings the requisite size and athleticism to effectively defend on the wings, a critical need for the team.

Micah Peavy demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess at Georgetown, showcasing an ability to guard multiple positions and switch seamlessly between opponents. His high basketball IQ ensures he’s always in the right defensive position, often translating into impactful defensive plays. Paired with Herbert Jones, Peavy’s addition creates a formidable defensive core on the wings, allowing the Pelicans to trot out a lineup capable of significantly improving their overall defensive efficiency and stifling opposing offenses.

In summary, the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2025 NBA Draft performance stands out as a masterclass in strategic team building. By addressing key positional needs with high-upside talent in Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, and Micah Peavy, the franchise has laid a strong foundation for future success. These rookies, despite a winless Summer League, have already flashed their potential, suggesting they are poised to become impactful pieces and propel New Orleans towards becoming a genuine contender in the competitive Western Conference.